Chapter 80
Ethan's POV
I stepped into Derek’s office, the air thick with the unmistakable scent of aged leather and faint traces of whiskey. My father sat behind his massive oak desk, his face as impassive as ever, though I didn’t miss the tension in his shoulders.
He gestured to the seat across from him, but I remained standing.
“You’ve looked better,” Derek said dryly, pouring himself a glass from the decanter at his side. “Though I suppose that’s to be expected, given the drama Chloe is stirring.”
“You brought me here to talk about her, not to trade barbs,” I replied, my voice clipped. “What’s she planning?”
Derek leaned back in his chair, swirling his glass absently. “More than you’re prepared for, I suspect. Chloe’s been weaving her web for years, Ethan. Her alliances with certain Council members run deeper than you realize, and she’s not shy about using them.”
I crossed my arms, my wolf snarling low in my chest. “She’s losing ground. We’ve already exposed her connection to the Rogues, and Aiden’s release hasn’t done her any favors.”
Derek raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Do you really think that’s enough? My wife doesn’t need the Council’s approval to cause chaos, she just needs enough of them to look the other way. And right now, she has that. Especially with the vote.”
I clenched my fists, the muscles in my jaw tightening. “Then I’ll deal with her the same way I’ve dealt with everything else she’s thrown at me.”
“Bold words,” Derek said, his tone laced with skepticism. “But words alone don’t sway votes, Ethan. Actions do. And you’re running out of time to prove you can lead, not just your Pack, but on the Council as well.”
I narrowed my eyes. “What are you getting at?”
Derek set his glass down with a deliberate motion, his gaze locking onto mine. “The bond, Ethan. Everyone knows it’s unfinished. It’s a glaring weakness Chloe is exploiting, whispering doubts into the ears of anyone who’ll listen. They’re questioning your stability, your commitment. And when the Council votes, those doubts could cost you everything.”
My wolf bristled, the urge to protect Olivia surging through me like wildfire. “My bond with Olivia isn’t a tool for political leverage.”
“Maybe not to you,” Derek said sharply. “But to the Council? It’s everything. They need to see unity, strength. Chloe’s making you look hesitant, divided. If you don’t finalize that bond before the vote, she’ll use it to discredit you.”
The truth of his words hit like a blow to the chest. My hesitation had always been about protecting Olivia and myself; I wanted to ensure our bond was forged for the right reasons. But now that hesitation was a weapon Chloe could use against us.
“Why are you telling me this?” I asked, my voice low. “What do you get out of this?”
Derek’s expression hardened, the mask of indifference slipping just enough to reveal a flicker of something more. “I’ve seen what Chloe can do. And because, for all your faults, you’re still the better option.”
The room fell silent, the confession leaving a bittersweet taste in my mouth. I didn’t trust Derek, but his warning carried the ring of truth. Chloe’s influence was growing, and every moment I delayed gave her more ground to stand on.
“I’ll take care of it,” I said finally, my voice steady.
Derek gave a faint smirk, raising his glass in mock toast. “I certainly hope so. For all our sakes.”
I turned to leave, the knot in my chest tightening with each step. My wolf stirred restlessly, pushing me toward the one thing I’d been avoiding for too long.
Olivia deserved more than a bond forged under pressure, but now, waiting any longer wasn’t just a risk, it was a liability.
As I stepped out into the crisp evening air, I made a silent vow: Olivia wouldn’t be a pawn in anyone’s game. Not Derek’s, not Chloe’s, and certainly not mine.
The time for hesitation was over.
The moon hung heavy in the sky, casting a pale glow over Storm Haven’s expansive Pack lands. The crisp night air was filled with the rustle of leaves and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures. My wolf was restless, pacing within me as if waiting for something – no, someone.
Then I felt it. Her scent, delicate yet grounding, drifted through the cool breeze. Olivia.
I stepped out onto the porch, scanning the tree line. A flash of movement caught my eye: her hair and lean form darting into the woods. She was running, her stride strong and confident. Just out for some late-night exercise to blow off steam.
My wolf growled low in my chest, the sound rumbling through me.
She didn’t know I was watching. Or maybe she did. Either way, her presence pulled at me like the tide, an irresistible force demanding my attention.
My wolf surged forward, clawing at the edges of my control. Claim her, he growled. Chase her. She’s ours.
I gritted my teeth, trying to temper the primal urge, but the bond between us had grown stronger, tighter, since I’d severed ties with Isabella.
There were no more excuses, no lingering tether holding me back. And my wolf knew it.
My boots hit the steps of the porch, and I let out a long breath, shedding my shirt. “You want this?” I murmured to my wolf, already knowing the answer. “Fine. Let’s see if she does, too.”
I gave her a head start, my muscles coiled tight with anticipation as I shifted. The change ripped through me, the familiar sensation of fur, claws, and heightened senses taking over.
The world became sharper, every sound, every scent amplified. Her scent was a beacon, guiding me deeper into the woods.
When I couldn’t hold back any longer, I took off after Olivia.
The ground flew beneath me as my paws dug into the soft earth, the thrill of the chase coursing through my veins.
She was fast, her scent weaving through the trees like a trail of breadcrumbs. I followed, closing the distance between us inch by inch.
My wolf reveled in her movements; the way she zigzagged through the forest, it was like she was testing me, daring me to catch her.
The wind carried the sound of her heartbeat, quick and strong. She wasn’t running away from me; it felt like she was running for me, drawing me in with every stride.
When I finally spotted her ahead, she glanced back, her eyes locking on mine for a fleeting moment. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips before she pushed herself harder, disappearing into the shadows.
She wants this too. My wolf howled in delight, the sound echoing through the trees.
I surged forward, my body a blur of motion as I closed the gap. She was mine. Always would be. And tonight, I would make sure everyone knew it.
Olivia reached a clearing, the moonlight spilling over her as she skidded to a stop, her chest rising and falling with exertion. I slowed, stalking her, stepping out from the cover of the trees, my wolf prowling close to the surface as I shifted back into human form.
She turned to face me, her eyes glowing with a mix of challenge and anticipation.
“You didn’t give me much of a head start,” she said, her voice breathless but teasing.
I took a step closer; Olivia’s eyes flashed with her wolf and raked down my naked body, the intensity of the moment crackling between us. “You didn’t need one,” I replied, my voice low and rough.
Her gaze didn’t waver, and for the first time, I saw no hesitation, no doubt. Just her, standing before me, ready and wanting.
And this time, neither of us were holding back.
